PWLLHELI secured the Division One North title for a third successive season as they registered an emphatic 71-0 win at Mold to overhaul long-time leaders Nant Conwy in their last league game.

Their matches at Mold have historically been tight and fiercely contested affairs, but the defending champions prepared mentally and physically for the game.

Pwllheli’s slighter pack were quick to the loose ball and they recycled quickly and effectively, giving the half-backs possession, and time, to manage the game.

After just four minutes, Pwllheli kicked for touch, and from the line-out they set up a rolling maul and scrum half and captain Nick Butterworth sniped over on the blindside for a try, with wing Osian Parry Jones adding a fine touchline conversion.

Pwllheli soon increased their lead when the back row secured clean quick possession and switched the ball right. Three swift passes saw the ball reach Osian Parry Jones, and he crashed through to touch down, before converting for a 14-0 lead.

Mold struggled to cope with the sheer pace of the visiting backs and when Pwllheli countered from 60 metres out centre John Pugh scored his team’s third try.

The conversion attempt was missed, as did a penalty attempt four minutes later.

The bonus point try came on 28 minutes when, from 40 metres out, fly half Kalim Kelemete broke the defensive line, made ground and offloaded to supporting flanker Tom Parry to score under the posts, with Jones adding the conversion.

Worse followed for the hosts as left wing Robin Hughes Jones fielded a clearing kick close to the left touchline. His pace and power saw him shrug off several would-be tacklers to score an excellent try, and Jones converted for a 33-0 lead.

Pwllheli refused to rest on their laurels in the second half and when they won a ruck on the right they went blind and two passes put wing Robin Hughes Jones into space to beat the cover and touch down.

Pwllheli’s pack then released the ball to Butterworth and his strength beat the cover and Osian Parry Jones added the extras.

Mold came close to scoring several times, but staunch defence kept them out.

Pwllheli, however, scored again as prop Alwyn Trenholme finished off a powerful driving maul, and Jones also converted.

Centre John Pugh was then put in the clear for a long range score, and Tom Parry also scored a try, converted by Jones.

There was still time for wing Robin Hughes Jones to complete his hat-trick as Pwllheli celebrated a third title in style, to the delight of the excellent away support.

Attention now turns to the Conwy Land Rover North Wales Cup Final against Bala this Saturday at Eirias Park (ko 3.30pm).